Here is the skinny on Pantone’s 2025 color of the year: Mocha Mousse. Women can wear this warm, soft brown – but in a strategic way. It is not an overwhelming color and actually coordinates well with many other colors–especially in the fall. Pantone describes Mocha Mousse (PANTONE 17-1230) as a “warm, rich brown hue imbued with softness and luxurious depth,” drawing inspiration from coffee, chocolate, and natural earth tones. I’ve compiled some Color Analysis Indianapolis tips to help you incorporate this color into your repertoire.
Color Analysis Indianapolis Guidance for Mocha Mousse
Mocha Mousse is one of those “quiet power” colors. It doesn’t demand attention with flash, but when styled well, it commands presence. It gives warmth, luxury, and flexibility. Instead of seeing brown as safe or unexciting, Mocha Mousse lets it become beautiful, wearable, and very now.
It’s not as dark or harsh as deep chocolate brown, nor as pale and muted as taupe—rather, it sits in between, with reddish or warm undertones that make it flattering on many skin tones.
The shade complements the “quiet luxury” movement perfectly—characterized by understated elegance, high-quality materials, and clean silhouettes. And the color is season-less, working across autumn, cozy for winter, but also soft enough for spring and summer.
There are many colors to wear with Mocha Mousse like olive green, mustard yellow, rust and burnt orange. These warm tones sit well with mocha’s richness and create a grounded, autumnal feel. Burgundy, royal blue and hunter green are other colors that pair well with it, and it’s a great color for those with cool skin tones such as winter.
Lighter browns (beige, camel) and darker browns (chocolate, espresso) go well with mocha. They are all great when layering textures and different weights.
Soft and romantic colors such as blush pink, powder blue, lilac and sage can be great accent colors. They add contrast and soften the richness, and are great for daytime or romantic settings.
Photo by Alena Shekhovtcova
Bold and dramatic colors typically in the winter color palette pair well with mocha. Emerald, teal, ruby, wine red and true red are examples. These tones elevate Mocha Mousse, giving a striking contrast.
For a very neutral outfit, creams, off-white, soft grays and even a little black give a cohesive outfit and don’t overshadow mocha.
Outfit Tips for Mocha Mousse
Here’s how you might style Mocha Mousse depending on what you’re doing that day.
Casual / Day-to-Day: A Mocha Mousse tee, tank, or cardigan paired with jeans (light or mid-wash) or linen pants. Add white sneakers or soft neutral flats.
Work / Smart Casual: Try a Mocha Mousse blazer over a crisp white, pale blue or pale pink shirt with wide-leg trousers, or a sage color silky blouse tucked into tailored pants or a midi skirt. Accents in gold jewelry, loafers or low heels (try Cow print or Leopard print) finish it off.
Atheisure / Lounging: Matching Mocha Mousse sets—sweatpants + hoodie, or joggers + oversized tee. Layer with a cardigan, or use neutral or metallic slides / sneakers to keep it stylish. Try some bright color sneakers in dark green or fuschia with this ensemble.
Texture, Fabric & Accessories Tips
Mix textures: Because the color is muted and warm, adding texture—suede, knit, leather, silk, ribbed cotton—lets your outfit feel more rich and dimensional.
If you’re unsure, start small: Try a scarf, belt, or handbag in Mocha Mousse before committing to bigger pieces.
Schedule a Color Analysis Indianapolis Appointment Today
Need some advice on integrating this color into your wardrobe? Reach out for a Color Analysis Indianapolis appointment. Email me at beth@bethdivinestyle.com.
Keep it sassy, Indy!
Beth Divine, MA, AICI-CIC, Personal Image Consultant
